• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Ed Fringe

To Have To Shoot Irishman at the Clapham Omnibus

October 8, 2018 by Paul Hegarty Leave a Comment

Review of: To Have To Shoot An Irishman
Play with music:
Lizzie Nunnery
Version:
Touring production from The Everyman
Price:
£16 and concessions

Reviewed by: Paul Hegarty
Rating:
4
On October 8, 2018
Last modified:October 11, 2018

Summary:

A playwright to watch out for - Lizzie Nunnery bubbles with creativity. Her new play, To Have To Shoot An Irishman is poetically crafted as it chases reason being restored.

More Details

To Have To Shoot Irishman is touring nationally but happily, for us finds itself holed up in Clapham Common at the Omnibus Theatre.

Omnibus continues to present thought-provoking work of a high standard and in recent times, with a Celtic focus.

Playwright, Lizzie Nunnery has written a compelling drama that captures the dilemma of any insurgency; broken dreams, moral dilemmas, exalted egos, self-loathing, shattered communities and fallen heroes. Self-determination is a messy business and such ideas were poetically crafted by Nunnery and skillfully delivered by an experienced and talent company. Nunnery exposes the unsettling drive for freedom that cannot find breath without peace and yet peace can find no place without conflict. The struggle for freedom is fraught with complexities. The disappointed wife, the foolish idealist or the principled soldier are all victims one way or another and suffer at the hands not of the visionaries but of the bullies, bigots and bullets.

Director Gemma Kerr creates a fluid production and fuses the folk songs, monologues and duologues together with imagination bringing out the emotional crux of the piece. Designer Rachel Rooney manages to create at once an abstract setting while at the same time suggests enough realism to capture home or confinement. Cluttered, broken and ram-shackled – such a set seemed to reflect the struggles of those who roamed around it. However, it is to the company the plaudits must go for their strong performances that are so well sustained as they bring to the fore the idea there is no gain without pain. Hanna, our suffragette feminist, is mother wife and activist and is played with great authority and sensitivity by Elinor Lawless. Her performance is captivating, her storytelling intense, her singing sincere and her delivery rings with authenticity. She is well supported by Russell Richardson. His deft performance catches the breath with his endeavour to push for truth and transparency. The piece was confidently delivered with passion moving from scene to scene with ease. The monologues direct to the audience were slick and heartfelt. Particularly the young optimistic soldier’s (played by Robbie O’Neill) whose growing conscience is tested by the idealist, Frank who might make him reconsider the value of conflict and violence.

Almanac Arts is a company that explores social history and storytelling traditions. Their production does them proud and offers an absorbing review of the Easter uprisings. But this is not a play set in aspic as it resonates for our times as we rising militarism or terrorism take hold and the chaos of conflict splits families, communities and of course governments.

To Have to Shoot Irishmen is on at the Clapham Omnibus until 20th October, before embarking on a national tour. For tickets and more information, visit their website.

 

Paul Hegarty

Author: Paul Hegarty

Paul is a reviewer and an experienced actor who has performed extensively in the West End (Olivier nominated) and has worked in TV, radio and a range of provincial theatres. He is also a speech, drama and communications examiner for Trinity College London, having directed productions for both students and professionals and if not busy with all that he is then a teacher of English.

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Omnibus Theatre

Join the discussion Cancel reply

NEWS / Living Record launches digital venue at the Brighton Fringe

The Living Record has launched as one of three new digital venues at the Brighton Fringe this summer. The first [Read More]

NEWS / Waiting for Lefty by Two Lines Productions Announce Cast

Clifford Odets’ 1935 agitprop play about cab drivers fighting for fair pay, has been adapted for 2021 and is presented [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Gavin Maxwell and William Townsend talk Anthropocene

Launching on this year’s World Earth Day (Thursday 22nd April), Anthropocene: The Human Era is a digital choose-your-own adventure from [Read More]

NEWS / Thick ‘n’ Fast announce new show General Secretary

Who run the world? A satirically comic journey through power and diplomacy as two highly unqualified women are suddenly landed [Read More]

Guides / 5 Tools for Actors to Enter the Theatre World like a Pro

Becoming a successful actor is no small feat. Fortunately, for those interested in improving their acting skills, plenty of tools [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Waiting for Lefty by Two Lines Productions Announce Cast
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • A Streetcar Named Desire- A cry of pain- Young Vic
  • Bull - Young Vic
  • Katy Owen: LAMDA Audition (First Round)
  • Iphigenia in Splott
  • The Forbidden Zone at The Barbican
  • Amit Lahav - Artistic Director of Gecko Theatre
  • Paul Hegarty

    Paul Hegarty
    Contributor

  • October 8th, 2018
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook1TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021 · Blue Pie Media

    Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

    Email sent!